The Impact of the Printing Press
By: Alycia Riley
The Printing Press
In Europe, people of the lower classes had problems getting to learn how to read and write. Books were very expensive because all of them were hand written. Maps and diagrams were not as accurate. People were not as good at sharing information because only the higher classes and people had all the information. But when the printing press was invented by a German metalworker named Johann Gutenberg in 1452, things got way easier. Since they started copying books, the books cost cheaper because more was made in a short period of time. Maps became more accurate because you can just copy it. It was easier to share information and have access to getting education. People learned about spelling, grammar, and punctuation. But there was a problem. Everything was mostly written in Latin. People wanted it changed to their vernacular language. Before the printing press people shared history and stories orally. In 1520 printers hired translators to changed the Latin language into the language spoken in the particular country or region. The printing press helped the spread of political and religious movement within Europe. The printing press has had an impact on societal literacy. (Information from "The Printing Press and Its "Impact" on Literacy")
The Printing Press Spreads Over Time
The map shows that in 50 years in Europe it goes from one printing press to over 200. It shows that each year, from 1450 to 1500, it spreads little by little until it finally booms. It shows from where it has the most printing presses, it must be the wealthiest countries. (Information from "THE IMPACT OF MOVABLE TYPE PRINTING PRESS" map)
Columbus's Letter and the Printing Press
The map shows Columbus's letter spread from Lisbon to Barcelona and then finally to Rome. From Rome, it was copied by the printing press and spread throughout Europe. It shows that Rome is one of the wealthiest countries. The printing press helped spread Columbus's letter faster. (Information from "Geographical Diffusion of Columbus's First Letter)
The Summary of the Printing Press
Gutenburg invented the printing press in 1452 in Europe. He helped the people of the lower classes in the 1400s. It improved societal literacy. It also made the sharing of knowledge easier. It made books accessible to lower classes or to anybody that couldn't afford them. It gave people a chance at education. It also saved people time to other stuff than rewrite books and redraw graphs and maps. The printing press helped a lot of people and even the world! (Information from "The Printing Press and Its "Impact" on Literacy")